Archive for Madrona Wines Monthly

Can’t make the tastings,
but still want to try new and interesting wines?

Think about joining our monthly wine club –
for yourself, or for a friend as a gift.

Sign up for Madrona Wines Monthly, our Wine Club where each month we pick unique selections from the hundreds of wines we taste each month. You get:

A hand-picked selection of intriguing wines waiting to be discovered

A ready supply of delicious wines just waiting for a pull of the cork

10% off your wine club selections

We have several wine club levels to suit your palette and pocket:

Everyday Exploration:

Good quality wines that don’t require a special occasion. This club gives you wine for good, everyday drinking. These selections from all over the world are meant to go with food. If you buy two or three bottles a week at the grocery store, we promise you that you’ll drink better with this club! Pick your favorites and come back for more. Your choice of either six or twelve bottles a month. Choices all red, all white or 50%/50% or 60%/40% or rosés or bubbles.6 bottle selection: $60-$85 plus tax — 12 bottle selection: $ 110-$160 plus tax

Saturday Night Collection:

Classic samplings from around the world. It could be a new Cabernet from Walla Walla, or an old Barolo from the Piedmont, but they all will be excellent wines that represent their place and style. We’ll pick from some of the most exciting wine we find each month. Take our choice or tell us your preferences, and we’ll hand pick to your interest.3 bottle selection: $85-$ 145 plus tax — 6 bottle selection: $160-$280 plus tax

3M All Week Mix:

The 3M All Week Mix offers two bottles from the Saturday Night Collection and four bottles from the Everyday Exploration so you have bottles for special occasions and bottles for every day.6 bottle selection: $120 – $130 plus tax

—

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.

We had so much fun on Bastille Day that we are going to drag it out as long as we can. Come join us Saturday for some celebratory French festivity.

2015 Chateau Laballe, le Terres Basses, Gascogne Blanc $950% Colombard, 30% Ugni Blanc, 10% Gros Manseng, 10% Sauvignon Blanc“Les Terres Basses” translates to “the Lowlands”, and refers to the shallow calcareous soils on the sunny, pristine expanses of vineyard that sit below the winery at Chateau Laballe in Gascony. This is a complex and punchy blend. The wine has aromas of citrus and white fruits and subtle tropical notes with a core acidity that gives it an innate chuggability.

2016 Chateau de la Clapiere, Cotes du Provence Rosé La Violette $1835% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 40% SyrahChateau de la Clapiere is located in the foothills of the Maures Mountains where the vines blossom amidst citrus fruits and palm trees. The wine is dominated by subtle aromas of white flowers and peach aromas. The palate is ample and silky.

2016 Domaine Gueguen, Bourgogne Rosé $15 Gueguen is a new winery based just south west of Chablis. Céline and Frédéric both worked for large wine estates in Chablis for 15 years before setting up their own shop. Their Rosé is tense and crisp with nice weight and balance to the pink grapefruit and peach flavors. It is bone dry and super refreshing.

2014 Domaine Laurens, Marcillac Rouge $12Fer ServadouFrom the southwest of France Domaine Laurens covers 21 hectares old vines, terraces, wastelands, clearings, plantations. Their Fer Servadou, also known locally as Mansois.is full and harmonious from the beginning to the end with a wonderful soft texture with crushed red currant and blackberry fruit. Nicely granular tannins match its surprising purity and concentration.

2015 Domaine Charles Helfenbein “La Syrah” VDP Collines Rhodaniennes $15Charles Helfenbein studied winemaking in Champagne, Alsace, Provence and the Rhone before starting his Domaine in Brézème. The La Syrah has an opulent nose of plum, bacon live and fig to the incredible array of flavor. It is an old-world full-bodied Syrah with supple tannins layered underneath ripe round red fruit notes, and subtle hints of terroir throughout that linger on the finish.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.

This spring we met Jean-Babtiste Delpey from H Wines a small local importer of French wines and we liked what we were tasting. As summer rolls into full gear, we thought that we would share them with you. This Saturday join us and Jean- Baptiste and taste some of the wines from his portfolio.

2012 Domaine Thierry Mosny, Montlouis sur Loire, Les Graviers Sec $18Chenin BlancThe Les Graviers is from 30-years-old vines from a village in the Loire. Although dry, it is a mellow and fruity wine that leaves an impression of fullness in the mouth with floral and fruit aromas. The wine is left on its lees for months lending the wine extra body and flavor with just the right amount of acidity and a long finish.

2013 Domaine Changarnier, Monthélie Blanc $33ChardonnayThe Monthélie Blanc comes from a growing area of 73 acres in this village of the Côte de Beaune. White Monthélie is close cousin of Meursault. The wine is aged in barrels for 12 months (15% new). The nose offers hints of white flowers, Pippin Apple and exotic fruit with a vanilla accent. The palate is lively with floral and hazelnuts note and a tense fruity finish.

2015 Bernard Magrez, Bleu de Mer $1570% Grenache, 30% CinsaultFrom the Languedoc this full rose has aromas of watermelon and cherry and focused flavors of tart cherry and berry that are framed by prickly acidity. The finish is but crisp and mouthwatering.12.5% alcohol by volume

2011 Couly Dutheil, Baronnie Madeleine, Chinon $22Cabernet FrancGrown on a mix of limestone and clay soils in the Loire, the madeleine is a very seductive Cabernet Franc. Firm, ripe and structured, this is a wine with a solid grounding in black fruits and tannins. It has a dry core and smoky flavors, with a blackberry juice note that offers a dense texture as well as aging potential.

2007 Croix Espérance, Lussac Saint Emilion $31MerlotFrom a small plot in Lussac St. Emillon, the vineyard of Château La Croix de l’Espérance is located northwest of the Lussac village, planted on a clay and limestone plateau at 70 meters above sea level.This full Bordeaux is hitting its prime with raspberry and plum fruit aromas and silky, round, full body and lingering tannins. 13% alcohol by volume

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day.

Sign up for Madrona Wines Monthly, our Wine Club where each month we pick unique selections from the hundreds of wines we taste each month. You get:

A hand-picked selection of intriguing wines waiting to be discovered

10% off your wine club selections

A ready supply of delicious wines just waiting for a pull of the cork

We have several wine club levels to suit your palate and pocket:

Everyday Exploration:

Good quality wines that don’t require a special occasion. This selection gives you wine for good, everyday drinking. These selections from all over the world are meant to go with food. If you buy two or three bottles a week at the grocery store, we promise you that you’ll drink better with this club level! Your choice of either six or twelve bottles a month. Choices all red, all white or anything in between.

6 bottle selection: $50 – $75 plus tax

12 bottle selection: $100 – $150 plus tax

Saturday Night Collection:

Looking for something other than “Wednesday Wine”? The Saturday Night Collection Wine Club gives you three wines a month (or six) that are a cut above the everyday. Good for fine meals, cellaring or special occasions.

3 bottle selection: $75 – $135 plus tax

6 bottle selection: $150 – $270 plus tax

Mel’s All Week Mix:

Mel’s All Week mix is a combination of our Everyday Explorer and Saturday Night samplings. Named for one of our customers, Mel’s All Week Mix offers two bottles from the Saturday Night Selection and four bottles from the Everyday Explorer so you have bottles for special occasions and bottles for everyday.

Each club member has a credit card number in our secure file. Each month we will email you the tasting notes for your selections and charge the amount to your card (cost of bottles minus 10% discount). You can pick up your wine at any time during the month.

Interested?

Just drop us note which club you are interested in, and the 3, 6, or 12 bottle version you want. JUST CLICK HERE.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

The weekend here in Madrona is supposed to go from grey and foggy to bright and sunny. It being Seattle, who knows how it really will turn out. But, there are a couple of things you can count on for sure.

Saturday we taste some great wines from the Southwest of France from grapes like Loin de L’Oeil, Braucol, Négrette and Tannat. That starts at two and goes as long as the bottles last.

September is a transitions month. And Sunday we’ll have 3 wines that reflect that. From white, pink to red we’ll be pouring all day:

2012 Vestini Pecorino $9Pecorino is a favorite local wine all along the Adriatic coast in Abruzzo. The Vestini has bright citrus flavors and crisp acidity.

2013 Broadbent Vinho Verde Rosé $9A lightly fizzy, fruity and fresh rosé from Portugal. Don’t say goodbye to summer, you can pour it in a glass. If you were a fan of the Grangia Rosé you should try this.

Welcome to summer! Here is what the Madrona Wines Monthly members are getting this month. Want to get in on the fun? Email us (click here). Want more information? Click Here. We offer either 6 or 12 bottle selections in our Everyday Exploration and 3-6 bottle Connoisseur Classics – your choice of Red/White/Mixed.

2008 Casa Contini Biferno Reserva DOC ($11)Montepulciano and Aglianico
From Molise, this reserva spends 3 years in barrel. It is rich and plummy, with a smoky blackberry, chestnut, and peppery-sweet aroma that delights the senses.

2009 Château de la Bigotière Muscadet Sur Maine ($11)There is a lot more body to this Muscadet from a ripe year, but it still has enough crispness to make it good with the standard shellfish.
12% alcohol by volume

2013 Armas de Guerra Mencia Rosé ($12)One of the more deliciously distinct rosés to come into town. Dry, floral aromas with crisp tropical flavors like mango, papaya and lime. The perfect wine for a litle gardening.
13% alcohol by volume

Can’t make the tastings, but still want to try new and interesting wines?

Sign up for Madrona Wines Monthly, our Wine Club where each month we pick unique selections from the hundreds of wines we taste each month. You get:

— A hand-picked selection of intriguing wines waiting to be discovered

— 10% off your wine club selections

— Discounts on our “Special Tastings” such as our Champagne Tasting in December

— A ready supply of delicious wines just waiting for a pull of the cork

We have several wine club levels to suit your pallet and pocket:

Everyday Exploration:
Good quality wines that don’t require a special occasion. This club gives you wine for good, everyday drinking. These selections from all over the world are meant to go with food. If you buy two or three bottles a week at the grocery store, we promise you that you’ll drink better with this club! Pick your favorites and come back for more.
Your choice of either six or twelve bottles a month. Choices all red, all white or 50%/50% or 60%/40%).

Connoisseur Classics:
Classic samplings from around the world. It could be a new Cabernet from Walla Walla, or an old Barolo from the Piedmont, but they all will be excellent wines that represent their place and style. We’ll pick from some of the most exciting wine we find each month. Take our choice or tell us your preferences, and we’ll hand pick to your interest.

Receive a free wine carrier when you join Madrona Wines Monthly 6-bottle Everyday Exploration ($50-75 plus tax per month). Each month we choose 6 unique offerings, you choose all red, all white, 50-50, 60-40. On the first of the month we card your secure credit card on file and send you a notification that your wine is ready. Sign up for the 12-bottle monthly wines and receive TWO of these beautiful wine carriers.

Existing wine club members fear not – you will be receiving your bag(s) with your December selections.

Sign up for Madrona Wines Monthly, our Wine Club where each month we pick unique selections from the hundreds of wines we taste each month. You get:

A hand-picked selection of intriguing wines waiting to be discovered

10% off your wine club selections

Discounts on our “Special Tastings” such as our Champagne Tasting in December

A ready supply of delicious wines just waiting for a pull of the cork

We have several wine club levels to suit your pallet and pocket:

Everyday Exploration:

Good quality wines that don’t require a special occasion. This club gives you wine for good, everyday drinking. These selections from all over the world are meant to go with food. If you buy two or three bottles a week at the grocery store, we promise you that you’ll drink better with this club! Pick your favorites and come back for more. Your choice of either six or twelve bottles a month. Choices all red, all white or 50%/50% or 60%/40%.)

Classic samplings from around the world. It could be a new Cabernet from Walla Walla, or an old Barolo from the Piedmont, but they all will be excellent wines that represent their place and style. We’ll pick from some of the most exciting wine we find each month. Take our choice or tell us your preferences, and we’ll hand pick to your interest.

Each club member has a credit card number in our secure file. Each month we will email you the tasting notes for your selections and charge the amount to your card (cost of bottles minus 10% discount). You can pick up your wine at any time during the month.

Join Madrona Wines Monthly and get either six or twelve exciting new finds from our cellar. All wine club members get 10% off our normal price on each selection. 6 bottle selection: $50 – $75 plus tax. 12 bottle selection: $100 – $150 plus tax.

Six Reds

2010 Domain Montmartel Visan Côtes de Rhóne Villages ($15)50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
Montmartel is a family run estate in Visan, a village in the Côtes du Rhône. The vineyards are certified Organic. The wine has more Syrah than most Southern Rhônes. Full good fruit, lush body. A big wine from a great vintage. Organic

2009 Château Haut-Colombier Blaye ($15)90% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc
Côtes de Bordeaux
30 year old vines aged in 1/3 new oak, all for 15 bucks. Pencil lead, leather and dark fruit. Tasting good now and should get better.

2008 Alighieri Bello Ovile ($10)80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Ciliegiolo
Rosso di Toscana
The descendants of Dante, who have been biding their time making beautiful Amarone, Branch out into Tuscany and put out this great deal in a Sangiovese blend. A little tar, a little dry berries, a little licorice.

2010 Rio Madre Rioja ($10)Graciano
The Graciano grape has long been used in Rioja to add a wonderful floral bouquet and complexity to their blends. Rarely is it used on its own. Several years ago we noticed that our estate grown Graciano vineyards, which surround the town of Alfaro, were capable of producing a wine which exemplifies the best that the grape has to offer. The deep, almost opaque color, the exuberant aromas and luscious flavors of blackberries and cherries tell you this is not a Tempranillo. — winemakers note

2008 Moulin de Chauvigné Savennières ($15)Chenin Blanc
This wine, made a small estate in Rochefort sur Loire, sees no oak and doesn’t undergo malolactic fermentation. It has lots of mineral notes coming from the schist soil, a crisp acidity and a rich and concentrated body with notes of clove and citrus. It is drinking great now and will develop with more age. Was $20 now $15

2006 Kloster Eberbach Steinberger Riesling ($12)Rheingau
This semi sweet Riesling has lots of soft spicy fruit loaded with apricot, pear, and apple flavors. Big mouthfeel and a long finish. 9.5% alcohol. Try it with Thai or other spicey Asian food. Was $20 now $12.

2010 Botromagno Gravina ($10)60% grecco and 40% Malvasia
A very floral and spicy white for Puglia.

2011 Vingnerons di Grimaud Cuvée du Golfe de Saint Tropez ($14)60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and 10% Carignane
A Provance Rosé that is light in color but full of crisp citrus and tropical flavors.